Delhi Police bans drones, UAVs and other aerial devices ahead of Independence Day

Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 that prohibits the flying of drones, UAVs, quadcopters, paragliders, paramotors, hot‑air balloons, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft and other sub‑conventional aerial platforms across the National Capital Territory of Delhi from 2 August to 16 August 2026. The ban is intended to prevent potential security threats from criminal, anti‑social or terrorist elements targeting the public, dignitaries and critical installations during the Independence Day celebrations.

Violations of the order will be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. In addition, the Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan scheduled for 1 August and 8 August 2026 has been cancelled to allow rehearsals for the Independence Day events.